Giant pericardial-occupying compressive primary cardiac hemangiosarcoma in a cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Oncology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Feline hemangiosarcoma is uncommon, with cardiac involvement being exceptionally rare.
• Cardiac hemangiosarcoma can lead to life-threatening conditions like pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old cat presented with acute collapse due to pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
• Echocardiography revealed a large intrapericardial mass compressing the right heart chambers.

Findings:

• Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed primary intrapericardial hemangiosarcoma.
• The tumor adhered to and compressed the right atrium and ventricle, causing tamponade without evidence of metastasis.

Implications:

• This case represents the first documented instance of a primary feline pericardial hemangiosarcoma causing right heart compression and cardiac tamponade.
• The study establishes novel clinicopathological correlations between imaging findings and the gross and microscopic pathology of feline cardiac tumors.